ADHD and ADD have received a good deal of press over the last decade, particularly concerning the well-being of children. However, children are not the only ones who live with ADHD and ADD. In fact, nearly four percent of adults in the U.S. have these conditions, but the majority have not been diagnosed with adult ADHD/ADD.
Adult ADHD/ADD shares symptoms with other common psychiatric conditions, sometimes making it hard to diagnose. For instance, adult ADHD/ADD is often mistaken for depression--or neglected due to substance abuse issues. Those with adult ADHD/ADD may have trouble concentrating or following through on projects. However, when a person also has a substance abuse problem, symptoms are often attributed solely to the addiction. The popular myth that ADHD and ADD are solely childhood issues also often prevents true diagnosis.
Adult ADHD/ADD results in hyperactivity, inattention and impulsiveness. The specific cause of ADHD/ADD has not yet been identified, but evidence indicates that it might stem from a chemical imbalance or deficiency in the brain. In fact, a 1990 study conducted at the National Institute of Mental Health found a relationship between metabolic abnormalities in the brain and ADHD/ADD. This means that adult ADHD is classified as a neurobiological disorder.
Common symptoms of adult ADHD/ADD include difficulty remembering information, following directions, concentrating at length, and organizing tasks or completing work in a timely manner. If these issues are not addressed, they can negatively affect your personal and professional life. Fortunately, Thrive with ADD has developed a number of different ways to help those who have been diagnosed with adult ADD or ADHD.
Copyright © Bonnie Mincu, 2005, All Rights Reserved.
